Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program

What are the conditions? At least 25% of funds must be spent to benefit disadvantaged communities

Who is in charge? Oversight by the California State Transportation Agency

Created by SB 862 in 2014, the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) will fund innovative transit projects and programs that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and increase transit and rail ridership. Eligible projects include rail and bus capital projects, operational improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that result in increased ridership and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The TIRCP was allocated $25 million in fiscal year 2014-15, and 10% of the California Climate Investments Progarm (CCIP, formerly the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund or GGRF) proceeds in future years. Awards are made every two years; the total funding awarded for fiscal years 2014-15 and 2015-16 was $224 million. The CCIP is expected to increase, with up to $5 billion in annual available funding by 2019.

The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) will administer the funds. CalSTA will work with the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to implement this program. Once guidelines are finalized, CalSTA and Caltrans will solicit applications and select projects. The CTC will award the program of projects and manage project allocations. The Administration will release draft guidelines for comment in the fall of 2014, with guidelines finalized and a solicitation for projects planned in the first half of calendar year 2015.

To meet SB 535’s requirements, the state requires at least 25% of TIRCP funds be used to benefit disadvantaged communities.